Also known as: books · records · ledgers
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A formal ledger or compilation in which transactions, proceedings, or other matters are documented and preserved. The record must be adequate to reflect the administration or status of the subject matter and must be kept separate from personal materials when required by professional or fiduciary duties.
After Bianca Baker paid the final installment on her home loan, the lender filed a satisfaction document. The county clerk entered the release in the official book of records, clearing title so Bianca could sell the property without the prior encumbrance appearing on a subsequent search.
Brandon Black received a settlement check for his client Bella Barnes. He deposited the funds into a dedicated account rather than his operating account and noted the deposit and later disbursements in the firm's book of client ledgers to comply with separate-property requirements.
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Bei Bai purchased land from a seller who had not recorded his deed. When Bei searched the county book before closing, he found no prior claim and paid value in good faith. A later recorded interest could not prevail because Bei lacked notice at the time of purchase.
After a state court issued a custody order, the prevailing parent sought enforcement in another state. The second court examined the authenticated book containing the first court's judgment and gave it the same effect it would receive in the rendering state.
Brookside Pharmaceuticals served as trustee of a family trust. It maintained a detailed book listing every distribution, investment decision, and annual accounting so that beneficiaries could verify compliance with fiduciary obligations.
Blue Horizon Industries obtained a judgment in one state and sought to enforce it against assets located elsewhere. The enforcing court reviewed the properly authenticated book of the rendering court's proceedings and accorded the judgment full faith and credit.
The trustee must keep adequate records showing all receipts, disbursements, investments, and distributions so that beneficiaries can determine whether the trust has been administered properly.
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Once the debt is satisfied, the mortgagee must record a release or satisfaction so that the public book reflects the discharge and clears title for subsequent purchasers.
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Client funds must be held in a separate account and the lawyer must maintain complete records of every deposit and withdrawal that are preserved for five years after the representation ends.
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…some commissions were recorded but he did not know whether those of the applicants were recorded as he had not consulted the book for more than twelve months. Mr. Brent testified he did not certainly remember the names in commissions but believed Marbury's and Hooe's commissions were made out and Ramsay's was not; he…